² It is the glory of God to conceal things,
    but the glory of kings is to search things out.
³ As the heavens for height, and the earth for depth,
    so the mind of kings is unsearchable.
⁴ Take away the dross from the silver,
    and the smith has material for a vessel;
⁵ take away the wicked from the presence of the king,
    and his throne will be established in righteousness.
⁶ Do not put yourself forward in the king’s presence
    or stand in the place of the great;
⁷ for it is better to be told, “Come up here,”
    than to be put lower in the presence of the prince.

What your eyes have seen

¹⁵ With patience a ruler may be persuaded,
    and a soft tongue will break a bone.